Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Prophet (SAW) said, “A group of people (both men and women) whose hearts will be like the hearts of birds, will enter Jannah (Paradise)” (Muslim)
It has been interpreted that such people are those who put their trust in Allah; another interpretation is that these people are those who are tender-hearted. Both, trust in Allah and kindness of heart are valuable qualities and both are means to enter Paradise. In terms of trust in Allah, one should not worry much about his food and means of sustenance; we should have hearts like birds that do not collect to keep in reserve but go out every morning in search of food and return to their nests fully satisfied.
In another similar Hadith, Umar (RA) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) saying, “If you all depend on Allah with due reliance, He would certainly give you provision as He gives it to birds who go forth hungry in the morning and return with full belly at dusk.” (At-Tirmidhi)
It is true that provision, or exam results as the case may be, is from Allah and that nothing happens without the Will of Allah. But trust in Allah does not mean we give no importance to work and effort. What it means is that along with the due importance of work and effort, we have full trust in Allah. It is necessary to work and make effort for livelihood and prosperity because this is ordained by Allah. For example, birds do not keep sitting in their nests waiting for food but fly out in search of it.
And whenever you leave your nest, your house, say as the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “I begin in the Name of Allah; I trust in Allah; there is no altering of conditions except by the Power of Allah.” Whoever says this, it will be said to him: ‘You are guided, defended and protected,’ and the devil will go far away from him. (Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nisaa-ee)
In conclusion, I end with the advice given by the Prophet (SAW) to Ibn Abbas when he was once riding behind the Prophet (SAW), “O boy! I will instruct you in some matters. Be watchful of Allah (i.e., the Commandments of Allah), He will preserve you. Safeguard His Rights, He will be ever with you. If you beg, beg of Him Alone; and if you need assistance, supplicate to Allah Alone for help. And remember that if all the people gather to benefit you, they will not be able to benefit you except that which Allah had foreordained (for you); and if all of them gather to do harm to you, they will not be able to afflict you with anything other than that which Allah had pre-destined against you. The pens have been lifted and the ink has dried.” (At-Tirmidhi)
Sunday, 4 March 2007
4.1, Firm Belief and Perfect Reliance
I begin in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, Who informs us in the Qur’an, “Those (believers) unto whom the people (the hypocrites) said, ‘Verily, the people (the pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them.’ But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said: ‘Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)’. So they returned with grace and bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the Owner of great bounty.” (3: 173, 174)
In another place, Allah, the Most Glorified and Exalted, says, “And put your trust (O Muhammad (SAW)) in the Ever Living One Who dies not.” (25: 58)
Further, Allah says, “And whoever puts his trust in Allah, then He (Allah) will suffice him.” (65: 3)
And the pages of the Qur’an are filled with many verses besides these; commanding us to have firm belief and perfect reliance on Allah. Those who posses these qualities are in grades clearly distinct from those who waver and who are shaky.
We find shining examples of this faith and trust when looking into the lives of the prophets. When Prophet Ibraaheem (AS) was thrown into the fire, he said, “Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and, He is the Best Disposer of affairs.” So did the Messenger of Allah Muhammad (SAW) when he was told: “A great army of the pagans has gathered against you, so fear them.” But this (warning) only increased him and the Muslims in Faith and they said, “Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).”
What we see in these two examples is that even in the worst of circumstances and the most testing of times we should have strong faith and trust in Allah. Another point to note is that we will only meet the likes of these tough examinations and trials with such perfect responses if we maintain and develop this attitude in our day to day lives, when we find ourselves in relative ease.
As another example from the life of the Messenger (SAW), when he was returning from an expedition with some of his companions they stopped for sleep. It was mid-day and they were in a valley full of prickly shrubs. The Messenger and the Companions that were with him scattered around seeking shade under the trees. He hung his sword on the branch of a tree and took rest. Then, one of the polytheists came, took down the Messenger’s sword, drew it and said: “Are you afraid of me?” The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “No”. The man then said, “Who will then protect you from me?” The Messenger of Allah (SAW) replied, “Allah”. As soon as he said this, the sword fell down from the man’s hand and the Messenger of Allah (SAW) catching the sword, asked him, “Who will protect you from me?” The man pleaded, “Please forgive me.” The story continues and in it is an example of the Prophet’s habit of pardoning, and his gracious attitude. Aside from this, this incident demonstrates the Prophet’s utmost trust in Allah. It tells that one who has trust in Allah is helped by Him.
One who fears Allah and has trust in Allah is helped by Him. I would like to think that we all know this, but certain questions arise when we do a little self-inspection and listen to ourselves: “If I keep taking breaks for prayer, how will I get my coursework done on time?” Or, the men amongst us, “If I have facial hair and look like a Muslim, who will give me a job?” Or, the women amongst us, “If I wear a scarf on my head, my non-Muslim colleagues will make fun of me.” Or, something that applies to us all, “If I become an active member of the local Muslim community, I will be blacklisted.” As silly as they are, are these not the kinds of things that we think and say? Do we think that shying away into corners of the library, refusing to debate our beliefs and hiding behind fake appearances will do us good? If anything, this fearful, secretive, edgy behaviour is what raises suspicion and causes media attacks to intensify, and, besides, where is the firm belief and perfect reliance on Allah?
As a final example, on the eve of Emigration, when the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq (RA) set out from Mecca for Al-Madinah the disbelievers had announced a huge reward for their arrest. Thus people were searching for them wildly. In the course of their search, some of them reached the mouth of the cave of Thaur where the Prophet (SAW) and Abu Bakr (RA) had stopped for refuge and rest. Abu Bakr said:
“When the Messenger of Allah (SAW) and I were in the cave of Thaur and I saw the feet of the polytheists who were above us at the mouth of the cave, I submitted, ‘O Messenger of Allah! If one of them were to look down below his feet, he would see us.’ The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘O Abu Bakr! What do you think of two whose third is Allah?’” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
This Hadith and the previous examples describe the valour, fearlessness and unlimited confidence of the Prophet (SAW) in Allah; it also indicates how Allah helps His favourites. We ask Allah that He honour us with such firm belief and perfect reliance.
In another place, Allah, the Most Glorified and Exalted, says, “And put your trust (O Muhammad (SAW)) in the Ever Living One Who dies not.” (25: 58)
Further, Allah says, “And whoever puts his trust in Allah, then He (Allah) will suffice him.” (65: 3)
And the pages of the Qur’an are filled with many verses besides these; commanding us to have firm belief and perfect reliance on Allah. Those who posses these qualities are in grades clearly distinct from those who waver and who are shaky.
We find shining examples of this faith and trust when looking into the lives of the prophets. When Prophet Ibraaheem (AS) was thrown into the fire, he said, “Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and, He is the Best Disposer of affairs.” So did the Messenger of Allah Muhammad (SAW) when he was told: “A great army of the pagans has gathered against you, so fear them.” But this (warning) only increased him and the Muslims in Faith and they said, “Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).”
What we see in these two examples is that even in the worst of circumstances and the most testing of times we should have strong faith and trust in Allah. Another point to note is that we will only meet the likes of these tough examinations and trials with such perfect responses if we maintain and develop this attitude in our day to day lives, when we find ourselves in relative ease.
As another example from the life of the Messenger (SAW), when he was returning from an expedition with some of his companions they stopped for sleep. It was mid-day and they were in a valley full of prickly shrubs. The Messenger and the Companions that were with him scattered around seeking shade under the trees. He hung his sword on the branch of a tree and took rest. Then, one of the polytheists came, took down the Messenger’s sword, drew it and said: “Are you afraid of me?” The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “No”. The man then said, “Who will then protect you from me?” The Messenger of Allah (SAW) replied, “Allah”. As soon as he said this, the sword fell down from the man’s hand and the Messenger of Allah (SAW) catching the sword, asked him, “Who will protect you from me?” The man pleaded, “Please forgive me.” The story continues and in it is an example of the Prophet’s habit of pardoning, and his gracious attitude. Aside from this, this incident demonstrates the Prophet’s utmost trust in Allah. It tells that one who has trust in Allah is helped by Him.
One who fears Allah and has trust in Allah is helped by Him. I would like to think that we all know this, but certain questions arise when we do a little self-inspection and listen to ourselves: “If I keep taking breaks for prayer, how will I get my coursework done on time?” Or, the men amongst us, “If I have facial hair and look like a Muslim, who will give me a job?” Or, the women amongst us, “If I wear a scarf on my head, my non-Muslim colleagues will make fun of me.” Or, something that applies to us all, “If I become an active member of the local Muslim community, I will be blacklisted.” As silly as they are, are these not the kinds of things that we think and say? Do we think that shying away into corners of the library, refusing to debate our beliefs and hiding behind fake appearances will do us good? If anything, this fearful, secretive, edgy behaviour is what raises suspicion and causes media attacks to intensify, and, besides, where is the firm belief and perfect reliance on Allah?
As a final example, on the eve of Emigration, when the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq (RA) set out from Mecca for Al-Madinah the disbelievers had announced a huge reward for their arrest. Thus people were searching for them wildly. In the course of their search, some of them reached the mouth of the cave of Thaur where the Prophet (SAW) and Abu Bakr (RA) had stopped for refuge and rest. Abu Bakr said:
“When the Messenger of Allah (SAW) and I were in the cave of Thaur and I saw the feet of the polytheists who were above us at the mouth of the cave, I submitted, ‘O Messenger of Allah! If one of them were to look down below his feet, he would see us.’ The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘O Abu Bakr! What do you think of two whose third is Allah?’” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
This Hadith and the previous examples describe the valour, fearlessness and unlimited confidence of the Prophet (SAW) in Allah; it also indicates how Allah helps His favourites. We ask Allah that He honour us with such firm belief and perfect reliance.
Saturday, 27 January 2007
3.2, Patience and Perseverance (Khutbah)
Abdullah bin Mas’ud (RA) reported: I can still recall as if I am seeing the Messenger of Allah (SAW) resembling one of the Prophets whose people scourged him and shed his blood. While he wiped blood from his face, he said: “O Allah! Forgive my people, because they certainly do not know.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
This Hadith mentions the refined character and compassion of the prophets, which is an important lesson for those who preach righteousness. We should be prepared to face hardships in inviting people to the right path and, instead of retaliation, forgive our audience and pray for their guidance.
Further, any hardship that we do face, in any aspect of life, we should remember the words of Allah’s Messenger, “Never is a believer stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry or even the pricking of a thorn but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Such is the special Grace and Mercy of Allah: The hardships and troubles suffered by a Muslim are turned into a means of expiation (atonement) for his sins. But this is only possible if the believer exercises patience. If, on the other hand, he starts cursing and swearing instead of showing patience then besides suffering hardship, he would also be deprived of the reward which lies in bearing it patiently. Thus, on top of the hardship he faces he shall have to take the burden of additional sins also. This is also an indirect reason why we must make our tongues moist with the remembrance of Allah; constantly reciting Qur’an and saying words like “Alhumdulillah” and “Subhaana-Allah”. So that when something goes wrong, instead of instinctively responding with a curse or a swear word, we respond with a better response, which is the praise and glorification of Allah.
I end by reminding myself and those before me that difficulties in the path of Faith are irrespective of time and place. People devoted to their religion have passed through trials and tribulations everywhere and in every age, and have emerged purified as does the gold after passing through the furnace.
This Hadith mentions the refined character and compassion of the prophets, which is an important lesson for those who preach righteousness. We should be prepared to face hardships in inviting people to the right path and, instead of retaliation, forgive our audience and pray for their guidance.
Further, any hardship that we do face, in any aspect of life, we should remember the words of Allah’s Messenger, “Never is a believer stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry or even the pricking of a thorn but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Such is the special Grace and Mercy of Allah: The hardships and troubles suffered by a Muslim are turned into a means of expiation (atonement) for his sins. But this is only possible if the believer exercises patience. If, on the other hand, he starts cursing and swearing instead of showing patience then besides suffering hardship, he would also be deprived of the reward which lies in bearing it patiently. Thus, on top of the hardship he faces he shall have to take the burden of additional sins also. This is also an indirect reason why we must make our tongues moist with the remembrance of Allah; constantly reciting Qur’an and saying words like “Alhumdulillah” and “Subhaana-Allah”. So that when something goes wrong, instead of instinctively responding with a curse or a swear word, we respond with a better response, which is the praise and glorification of Allah.
I end by reminding myself and those before me that difficulties in the path of Faith are irrespective of time and place. People devoted to their religion have passed through trials and tribulations everywhere and in every age, and have emerged purified as does the gold after passing through the furnace.
3.1, Patience and Perseverance (Khutbah)
Allah, the Glorified and Exalted says in the Qur’an, “O you who believe! Endure and be more patient…” (3:200)
In another place, Allah says, “And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruit, but give glad tidings to As-Saabiroon (the patient).” (2:155)
Further, Allah says, “Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning.” (39:10)
And Allah says, “And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives, that would truly be from the things recommended by Allah.” (42:43)
And Allah says, “Seek help in patience and As-Salaat (the prayer) Truly, Allah is with As-Saabiroon (the patient).” (2:153)
And if you open the pages of the Qur’an you will find no shortage of verses calling to patience and highly praising it. After all, patience is that strong weapon which provides the Muslim with steadfastness in every aspect of his life.
What about the sayings and actions of Allah’s Messenger (SAW)? Again, the reminders and examples are numerous; however, time will only allow us to go through a few.
To begin, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him.” (Muslim)
A Muslim is required to behave in poverty and prosperity, ease and hardship, in the manner stated in this Hadith. It means not to forget Allah in times of prosperity and ease; rather to be continually grateful and thank Him for His Favours. Similarly, not to tend to weeping, complaining and grieving against the Will of Allah in times of trouble and turmoil; rather to patiently endure it. For example, at the time of death it is permissible to express the trouble and restlessness which one feels in a natural way. However, to begin wailing, moaning and tearing off clothes is not right.
The Messenger of Allah said, “Allah, the Exalted says: ‘I have no reward other than Jannah for a believing slave of Mine who remains patient for My sake when I take away his beloved one from among the inhabitants of the world’.” (Al-Bukhari)
It is a great sign of faith to accept the death of someone dear to us as the Will of Allah; to bear their loss with patience. After all, wailing and saying nonsense things shows weakness of faith. The reward of patience on such tragedies is Jannah while the result of impatience is the displeasure of Allah.
As for death itself, none of us should forget the advice of the Messenger of Allah, “Let not one of you wish for death because of a misfortune which befalls him. If he cannot help doing so, he should say, ‘O Allah, keep me alive as long as You know that life is better for me, and make me die when death is better for me’.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Since we have no knowledge of our future, whether it is good or bad, we should never desire for death because of the troubles and turmoil that we find ourselves in. This is because desire for death is sheer impatience. If, however, one has to express wish for his own death, he should do so in the words quoted in this Hadith.
In another place, Allah says, “And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruit, but give glad tidings to As-Saabiroon (the patient).” (2:155)
Further, Allah says, “Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning.” (39:10)
And Allah says, “And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives, that would truly be from the things recommended by Allah.” (42:43)
And Allah says, “Seek help in patience and As-Salaat (the prayer) Truly, Allah is with As-Saabiroon (the patient).” (2:153)
And if you open the pages of the Qur’an you will find no shortage of verses calling to patience and highly praising it. After all, patience is that strong weapon which provides the Muslim with steadfastness in every aspect of his life.
What about the sayings and actions of Allah’s Messenger (SAW)? Again, the reminders and examples are numerous; however, time will only allow us to go through a few.
To begin, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him.” (Muslim)
A Muslim is required to behave in poverty and prosperity, ease and hardship, in the manner stated in this Hadith. It means not to forget Allah in times of prosperity and ease; rather to be continually grateful and thank Him for His Favours. Similarly, not to tend to weeping, complaining and grieving against the Will of Allah in times of trouble and turmoil; rather to patiently endure it. For example, at the time of death it is permissible to express the trouble and restlessness which one feels in a natural way. However, to begin wailing, moaning and tearing off clothes is not right.
The Messenger of Allah said, “Allah, the Exalted says: ‘I have no reward other than Jannah for a believing slave of Mine who remains patient for My sake when I take away his beloved one from among the inhabitants of the world’.” (Al-Bukhari)
It is a great sign of faith to accept the death of someone dear to us as the Will of Allah; to bear their loss with patience. After all, wailing and saying nonsense things shows weakness of faith. The reward of patience on such tragedies is Jannah while the result of impatience is the displeasure of Allah.
As for death itself, none of us should forget the advice of the Messenger of Allah, “Let not one of you wish for death because of a misfortune which befalls him. If he cannot help doing so, he should say, ‘O Allah, keep me alive as long as You know that life is better for me, and make me die when death is better for me’.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Since we have no knowledge of our future, whether it is good or bad, we should never desire for death because of the troubles and turmoil that we find ourselves in. This is because desire for death is sheer impatience. If, however, one has to express wish for his own death, he should do so in the words quoted in this Hadith.
Saturday, 16 December 2006
2.2, Repentance (Khutbah)
We can continue to give examples of the Mercy of Allah for hours and hours; whether that is through stories such as the man who was forgiven even after committing a hundred murders, or through the attributes of Allah, or by recalling countless other Aayaat and Ahaadeeth. However, I want to use this second part to concentrate on our role in the repentance process.
Some of us think, “I am a Muslim, Allah is the Merciful and therefore I am ultimately safe”. However, this can be foolish and many people do unfortunately fall victim to such deception. Why? For three reasons amongst others:
Firstly, just as people have rights over us so does Allah. Continuous disobedience followed by blind hope is nothing but foolishness followed by foolishness.
Secondly, the Mercy of Allah is one attribute amongst others, for example, as well as Allah being the Compassionate and the Forgiver; He is also the Reckoner and the Just. Thus you will be taken to account for sins from which you have not repented.
Thirdly, being taken to account after death is no joke. The horrors of the Grave, the agony of the Day of Judgement and the Fire of Hell are real possibilities even if you are Muslim.
So, what is our role in the repentance process and what are the conditions of a sound repentance?
If the offence involves the right of Allah and not a human, such as negligence in prayers or consuming alcohol, then there are three conditions to be met in order that the repentance is accepted by Allah:
(1) You must stop committing the sin in question.
(2) You must feel sorry for committing it.
(3) You must decide never to commit it again.
Any repentance failing to meet any of these three conditions would not be sound.
Additionally, if the sin involves a human’s right, such as stealing property or backbiting, then the repentance also requires a fourth condition, which is to undo the wrong and to absolve yourself from such right. For example, if it is a property, you should return it to its rightful owner. If it is slandering or backbiting, you should ask the pardon of the person offended.
I end with an incident that superbly exemplifies a sincere repentance:
A woman came to the Messenger of Allah while she was pregnant from Zina (adultery). She said to him: “O Messenger of Allah! I have committed an offence liable to Hadd (prescribed punishment), so exact the execution of the sentence”.
Look at this carefully. What is she asking for? What is the punishment for adultery? She is asking to be stoned to death. The story continues:
The Messenger of Allah called her guardian and said to him, “Treat her kindly. Bring her to me after the delivery of the child.”
That man complied with the orders. At last the Prophet commanded to carry out the sentence. Her clothes were secured around her and she was stoned to death.
The Prophet led her funeral prayers and in doing so Umer submitted, “O Messenger of Allah! She committed Zina and you have performed funeral prayer for her?” He (SAW) replied, “Verily, she made repentance which would suffice for seventy of the people of Al-Madinah if it is divided among them. Can there by any higher degree of repentance than that she sacrificed her life voluntarily to win the Pleasure of Allah, the Exalted?” (Muslim)
Such was the fear of Allah and the Day of Judgement that was present in the Prophet’s Companions; they preferred the punishment of sins in this world rather than in the Hereafter.
Of course this worldly punishment only applies for the handful of offences liable to Hadd. Otherwise, it is as simple as stopping, regretting and abandoning the sin in question, and thus with a sincere repentance that sin against us instantly becomes a source of reward for us. Such is the Grace of Allah, and thus none of us should despair of the Bounty of our Lord.
We ask Allah that He make easy for us the path of repentance and that He forgive us our sins.
Some of us think, “I am a Muslim, Allah is the Merciful and therefore I am ultimately safe”. However, this can be foolish and many people do unfortunately fall victim to such deception. Why? For three reasons amongst others:
Firstly, just as people have rights over us so does Allah. Continuous disobedience followed by blind hope is nothing but foolishness followed by foolishness.
Secondly, the Mercy of Allah is one attribute amongst others, for example, as well as Allah being the Compassionate and the Forgiver; He is also the Reckoner and the Just. Thus you will be taken to account for sins from which you have not repented.
Thirdly, being taken to account after death is no joke. The horrors of the Grave, the agony of the Day of Judgement and the Fire of Hell are real possibilities even if you are Muslim.
So, what is our role in the repentance process and what are the conditions of a sound repentance?
If the offence involves the right of Allah and not a human, such as negligence in prayers or consuming alcohol, then there are three conditions to be met in order that the repentance is accepted by Allah:
(1) You must stop committing the sin in question.
(2) You must feel sorry for committing it.
(3) You must decide never to commit it again.
Any repentance failing to meet any of these three conditions would not be sound.
Additionally, if the sin involves a human’s right, such as stealing property or backbiting, then the repentance also requires a fourth condition, which is to undo the wrong and to absolve yourself from such right. For example, if it is a property, you should return it to its rightful owner. If it is slandering or backbiting, you should ask the pardon of the person offended.
I end with an incident that superbly exemplifies a sincere repentance:
A woman came to the Messenger of Allah while she was pregnant from Zina (adultery). She said to him: “O Messenger of Allah! I have committed an offence liable to Hadd (prescribed punishment), so exact the execution of the sentence”.
Look at this carefully. What is she asking for? What is the punishment for adultery? She is asking to be stoned to death. The story continues:
The Messenger of Allah called her guardian and said to him, “Treat her kindly. Bring her to me after the delivery of the child.”
That man complied with the orders. At last the Prophet commanded to carry out the sentence. Her clothes were secured around her and she was stoned to death.
The Prophet led her funeral prayers and in doing so Umer submitted, “O Messenger of Allah! She committed Zina and you have performed funeral prayer for her?” He (SAW) replied, “Verily, she made repentance which would suffice for seventy of the people of Al-Madinah if it is divided among them. Can there by any higher degree of repentance than that she sacrificed her life voluntarily to win the Pleasure of Allah, the Exalted?” (Muslim)
Such was the fear of Allah and the Day of Judgement that was present in the Prophet’s Companions; they preferred the punishment of sins in this world rather than in the Hereafter.
Of course this worldly punishment only applies for the handful of offences liable to Hadd. Otherwise, it is as simple as stopping, regretting and abandoning the sin in question, and thus with a sincere repentance that sin against us instantly becomes a source of reward for us. Such is the Grace of Allah, and thus none of us should despair of the Bounty of our Lord.
We ask Allah that He make easy for us the path of repentance and that He forgive us our sins.
2.1, Repentance (Khutbah)
Allah, the Exalted says in the Qur’an, “And all of you beg Allah to forgive you, O believers, that you may be successful.” (24:31)
In another place, Allah, the Glorified and Exalted says, “Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to him in repentance.” (11:3)
Further, Allah says, “O you who believe, turn to Allah with sincere repentance.” (66:8)
As we approach the winter holidays, what lies ahead is a much-needed break away from our busy schedules and a nice time-out away from our current routines. This period away, we can spend it in one of two ways:
Firstly, we can sleep and eat through it and find ourselves back here in three weeks time just as we left. Or, alternatively, in stepping away from our routines and breaking away from our busy schedules we can use this time to reflect, further distinguish right from wrong and take steps towards purification.
Also, there are some amongst us who will be heading for Hajj and I want to use this opportunity to leave them with no doubt as to the Mercy of their Lord in whose path they will be treading.
It is as the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “He who repents before the sun rises from the west, Allah will forgive him.” (Muslim)
What is this repentance? It is to turn from old habits to new resolutions, to turn away from sins to Allah. When a person commits a sin, he goes away from Allah. On the other hand, when he desires Allah’s pardon and to draw near Him, he returns to Allah. This turning and returning to Allah is repentance.
The Compassion of Allah towards his slaves and the merits of repentance is as Allah’s Messenger said, “Verily, Allah is more delighted with the repentance of His slave than a person who lost his camel in a desert land and then finds it (unexpectedly).” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Imagine you are in a waterless desert and your camel carrying all your provisions is lost. After a time, you lose all hope of getting it back and disappointedly lie down in shade. You fear that there is no escape. Then, all of a sudden, when all hope was lost, you find your camel standing before you. How happy would you be? Words would not be able to explain your joy. Well, know that Allah is more delighted with your repentance than you would be with the discovery of your camel. Indeed, Allah is highly pleased with repentance.
How often should we make this repentance? How often should we turn our attention and hopes to Allah? Once in a lifetime at Hajj? Once a year during Ramadhan? Once a week at Jum’ah? Only when things get bad? Just at exam time?
The Messenger of Allah said, “By Allah, I seek Allah’s forgiveness and repent to Him more than seventy times a day.” (Bukhari)
If this was the frequency with which Allah’s Messenger asked forgiveness – the best of mankind, whose past and future sins were forgiven – then how about us?
We see in this Hadith great emphasis on consistently seeking pardon. Further, there is no doubt in my mind that we commit more than seventy sins per day, whether that is through lustful gazes, slips of the tongue, listening to musical obscenity or walking to places of filth. So then, how about us, who commit sins on regular basis, not to seek pardon and forgiveness from Allah?
Sincere and ceaseless prayer with this frequency (more than 70 times a day) is essential so that our sins – intentional and unintentional - are forgiven.
In another place, Allah, the Glorified and Exalted says, “Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to him in repentance.” (11:3)
Further, Allah says, “O you who believe, turn to Allah with sincere repentance.” (66:8)
As we approach the winter holidays, what lies ahead is a much-needed break away from our busy schedules and a nice time-out away from our current routines. This period away, we can spend it in one of two ways:
Firstly, we can sleep and eat through it and find ourselves back here in three weeks time just as we left. Or, alternatively, in stepping away from our routines and breaking away from our busy schedules we can use this time to reflect, further distinguish right from wrong and take steps towards purification.
Also, there are some amongst us who will be heading for Hajj and I want to use this opportunity to leave them with no doubt as to the Mercy of their Lord in whose path they will be treading.
It is as the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “He who repents before the sun rises from the west, Allah will forgive him.” (Muslim)
What is this repentance? It is to turn from old habits to new resolutions, to turn away from sins to Allah. When a person commits a sin, he goes away from Allah. On the other hand, when he desires Allah’s pardon and to draw near Him, he returns to Allah. This turning and returning to Allah is repentance.
The Compassion of Allah towards his slaves and the merits of repentance is as Allah’s Messenger said, “Verily, Allah is more delighted with the repentance of His slave than a person who lost his camel in a desert land and then finds it (unexpectedly).” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Imagine you are in a waterless desert and your camel carrying all your provisions is lost. After a time, you lose all hope of getting it back and disappointedly lie down in shade. You fear that there is no escape. Then, all of a sudden, when all hope was lost, you find your camel standing before you. How happy would you be? Words would not be able to explain your joy. Well, know that Allah is more delighted with your repentance than you would be with the discovery of your camel. Indeed, Allah is highly pleased with repentance.
How often should we make this repentance? How often should we turn our attention and hopes to Allah? Once in a lifetime at Hajj? Once a year during Ramadhan? Once a week at Jum’ah? Only when things get bad? Just at exam time?
The Messenger of Allah said, “By Allah, I seek Allah’s forgiveness and repent to Him more than seventy times a day.” (Bukhari)
If this was the frequency with which Allah’s Messenger asked forgiveness – the best of mankind, whose past and future sins were forgiven – then how about us?
We see in this Hadith great emphasis on consistently seeking pardon. Further, there is no doubt in my mind that we commit more than seventy sins per day, whether that is through lustful gazes, slips of the tongue, listening to musical obscenity or walking to places of filth. So then, how about us, who commit sins on regular basis, not to seek pardon and forgiveness from Allah?
Sincere and ceaseless prayer with this frequency (more than 70 times a day) is essential so that our sins – intentional and unintentional - are forgiven.
Saturday, 11 November 2006
Khutbah: Sincerity: Part 2
The Prophet (عليه الصلاة والسلام) said, “When two Muslims are engaged in a combat against each other with their swords and one is killed, both are doomed to Hell.” I said, “O Messenger of Allah! As to the one who kills, it is understandable, but why the slain one?” He (عليه الصلاة والسلام) replied, “He was eager to kill his opponent.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
This Hadith leads to the conclusion that a person will be punished for a sinful intention for which he has made a firm determination and for the commitment of which he has adopted necessary measures, even if he does not succeed in committing it because of a certain obstruction.
Thus determination to commit a deed is different from a thought that occurs in our mind but which we dismiss immediately. A thought is excusable while a person is accountable for his determination.
The one who equips himself, sets out to attack and unlawfully kill another, and then dies in this state is in trouble. Similarly, the one who grooms and perfumes himself, sets off for a rave or a night out in the bar and is struck down by death on his way is in trouble.
Not to end on a pessimistic note, we end with a Hadith Qudsi (Sacred Tradition) which makes clear the Mercy and Grace of Allah and which mentions the magnitude of Divine blessings that Allah bestows upon his faithful slaves on the Day of Resurrection.
The Messenger of Allah (عليه الصلاة والسلام) said that Allah, the Glorious, said, “Verily, Allah Ta’aalaa has ordered that the good and the bad deeds be written down. Then He explained it clearly how: He who intends to do a good deed but he does not do it, then Allah records it for him as a full good deed, but if he carries out his intention, then Allah the Exalted, writes it down for him as from ten to seven hundred folds, and even more. But if he intends to do an evil act and has not done it, then Allah writes it down with Him as a full good deed, but if he intends it and has done it, Allah writes it down as one bad deed.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
So I conclude and I remind myself before any other, keep your heart in check and your thoughts clean, intend nothing but goodness and follow through with acts that you will be proud to see on your scales on the Day of Judgement.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)